Keeping the faith: Jennylyn Mercado, Christian Bautista and KZ Tandingan

(First of a series)

While many celebrities see the Holy Week as a brief respite from the hectic, and often unpredictable, nature of show biz, they make sure not to lose sight of what the occasion truly means—a time to reflect and honor the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

Jennylyn Mercado

Jennylyn Mercado

I don’t get to hear Mass every Sunday, but I make it a point to pray every day, before sleeping and upon waking up. I know that the Lord is always there, watching over and protecting me…Having faith is important to me; I don’t have a lot of people to turn to. My parents aren’t with me, I don’t have siblings. I’m raising my child alone on top of working as an actress. So, I find comfort in knowing that I can always talk to Him.

We usually go diving every Holy Week. But we make it a point to be at home during Easter Sunday, which we usually celebrate. We do egg hunts, which my son, nephews and nieces truly enjoy.

Christian Bautista

Christian Bautista

In the beginning, when I lost in the contest “Star in a Million,” I thought nothing good would happen in my career. And when I do a show with a meager crowd or release a single that’s not well-received, I question myself if I’m doing the right thing. But having faith has strengthened me.

In whatever line of work you’re in, there are trials, temptations and changes you have to adapt to.

And as a human being, I fail. There are times when I don’t know what to do. It’s in those times when you realize that it’s important to have something infinite to hold on to; to have someone you can always talk to….

It’s always good to believe in ourselves, but we do have shortcomings, too.

My family and I usually go to church during Holy Week. And on Easter Sunday, we really celebrate. We used to do egg hunts when I was young.

KZ Tandingan

KZ Tandingan

I see myself as an imperfect person, who nevertheless tries to keep an intimate relationship with God. I’m a Christian, but for me, having a personal relationship with God has more weight than merely being part of a religion.

It’s my faith that keeps me sane in this industry, where it’s hard to know who’s real or not; where it’s hard to know if you’re doing the right thing.

It’s important to have spiritual guidance, because it helps dictate your moral compass.

Every year, I spend the Holy Week in Davao. Otherwise, my mom will get sad because it’s the only time in the year, aside from Christmas, when I can get some rest.

Before entering show biz, I used to fast. But I don’t think I can do it now, because I need all the energy I can have for work.

Perhaps I can do social media fasting and reflect about everything that has been going on in my life, my family and career. It’s a perfect time to pause for a moment, look at everything from a distance, then ask for God’s guidance.

(Next: Alden Richards, Dennis Trillo, Camille Prats and Kuh Ledesma)